How to Find Sodium

Topic Overview

Almost all foods contain sodium, or salt, naturally or as an ingredient. But you don't always know it's there, or how much is there. Here are some tips to help you find sodium.

Know what "low sodium'' means

Labels on foods often claim that the food is "low-sodium" or something similar. Learn what these claims mean:

"Unsalted" means there is no sodium added to the food. But the food may still contain sodium naturally.

"Sodium-free" means a serving has less than 5 milligrams (mg) of sodium.

"Very low sodium" means a serving has 35 mg or less of sodium.

"Low sodium" means a serving has 140 mg or less of sodium.

"Light sodium" and "reduced sodium" mean that there is 25% less sodium than what the food normally has. This is still usually too much sodium. Try not to buy foods with either of these on the label.

Count milligrams of sodium

You can limit sodium in your diet by counting the milligrams of it in everything you eat. This method allows more flexibility in your diet. If you eat one high-sodium food, you can balance it with very low-sodium foods during the rest of the day.

Find hidden sodium

Sodium can be found in many substances. Many canned and other processed foods and some medicines can contain sodium.

Hidden sodium in foods

Check the ingredient list on food labels for the word "sodium." Be careful about using products that have these ingredients:

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG (often added to Chinese food)

Sodium citrate

Sodium sulfite

Sodium caseinate

Sodium benzoate

Sodium hydroxide

Disodium phosphate

Sodium in medicines

Check your medicines. Sodium may be an ingredient.

Prescription medicines. Talk with your doctor about whether the medicines you take contain sodium.

Nonprescription medicines. Many medicines that you can buy without a prescription contain sodium. Read the labels. If you aren't sure if a medicine contains sodium, talk with a pharmacist. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any new nonprescription medicine.

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